United States President, Donald Trump, has warned that he would escalate pressure on Russia through sanctions and tariffs unless it agrees to a ceasefire and a peace deal with Ukraine.
In a post on Truth Social on Friday, Trump directly addressed both nations, calling for immediate negotiations.
“Based on the fact that Russia is absolutely ‘pounding’ Ukraine on the battlefield right now, I am strongly considering large scale Banking Sanctions, Sanctions, and Tariffs on Russia until a Cease Fire and FINAL SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT ON PEACE IS REACHED. To Russia and Ukraine, get to the table right now, before it is too late. Thank you,” he wrote, without elaborating on specific measures.
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Recall that the Biden administration had previously imposed sanctions on Russia following its invasion of Ukraine three years ago.
Trump, however, has faced criticism for what some perceive as a lenient stance toward Russian President Vladimir Putin, even as he continues efforts to broker a resolution to the war. He has also repeatedly claimed that Ukraine initiated the conflict.
Trump’s statement came just hours after Russia launched a large-scale assault on Ukraine, firing 261 missiles and drones at energy and gas infrastructure across multiple regions, according to Ukrainian officials.
Meanwhile, the Trump administration this week halted military aid and intelligence-sharing with Ukraine. The move followed a heated confrontation last week in the Oval Office between Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
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